Severe late-night dust storm hits Delhi-NCR, authorities on alert
What's the story
A late-night dust storm, with wind speeds of up to 70kmph, hit Delhi and adjoining areas yesterday, resulting in power cuts, low visibility and damage to property.
In the capital, gusty winds uprooted trees in areas like Mayur Vihar, Dwarka and Janakpuri.
Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Bagpat also witnessed similar scenes.
All schools running evening shifts have been ordered shut today.
Impact
Delhi Metro to curtail operations, traffic police warns citizens
Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash held an urgent meeting yesterday with various departmental heads to assess preparations for the storm.
Outdoor activities in schools during 3pm-7pm have been restricted.
The DMRC has said it will reduce speed of trains during the storm. If wind speed crosses 90kmph, it will hold trains on platforms.
The Delhi Traffic Police has asked residents to take precautions while traveling.
Advisory
Government issues list of dos and don'ts
In an advisory, the government urged residents to "secure all loose hardware on their roofs or around their homes" and "switch off all electric appliances."
"Do not touch water or any metal poles," it added.
"If the storm occurs when you are in a car, remain there until help comes."
For storm-related help, people can call on the disaster helpline at 1077.
Warning
Storm alert for 15 states and union territories
Days after heavy dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning killed 124 people in North India, IMD issued a similar warning in 13 states and two UTs.
The intensity is likely to be less though, officials said.
Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, HP, J&K, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, TN, Tripura, UP, Uttarakhand and WB will be hit, they predicted.
Last week
Last week's 'freak' storms a result of several factors
Last week, heavy storms lashed several states in North India. At least 124 people were killed in two days due to dust storm, thunderstorms and lightning in UP, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab.
According to IMD, it was a result of several factors, including "a western disturbance-induced cyclonic circulation, high moisture brought by easterly winds, and the recent spell of unusually high temperatures."